Description

FERNAND FRANCELL (PARIS, 9 NOVEMBER, 1880 – PARIS, 18 FEBRUARY, 1966)

 

 

 

 

This French tenor, a graduate of the Paris Conservatoire, launched his operatic career in 1906 with a debut at the Opéra-Comique as Vincent in Gounod’s Mireille. His talent quickly gained him prominence, and in 1908 he achieved acclaim at the Théâtre Gaîté Lyrique, performing Wilhelm Meister in Mignon alongside Jeanne Marié de l’Isle. His long-standing association with the Opéra-Comique became the cornerstone of his career, where he participated in numerous significant premieres, showcasing his versatility and dedication to French opera.

Among his most notable roles at the Opéra-Comique were Paco in de Falla’s La vida breve (1914) and key parts in the premieres of several operas, including Le Bonhomme Jadis by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze (1906), Fortunio by André Messager (1907), La Habanéra by Raoul Laparra (1908), Chiquito (1909) and La Danseuse de Pompéi (1912) by Jean Nouguès, Le Mariage de Télémaque by Claude Terrasse (1910), Le voile du Bonheur by Charles Pons (1911), and Francesca da Rimini by Franco Leoni (1913).

Although he rarely performed outside of France, his contributions to the French operatic repertoire left a lasting impact. Following his retirement from the stage, he dedicated many years to teaching at the Paris Conservatoire, mentoring a new generation of singers. His legacy continued in his family, as his daughter, Marcelline Francell, also pursued a career at the Opéra-Comique.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1906 Paris  Opéra-Comique Mireille (Vincent)

1906 Paris  Opéra-Comique Le Bonhomme Jadis

1907 Paris  Opéra-Comique Fortunio

1908 Paris  Théâtre Gaîté Lyrique Mignon (Wilhelm Meister)

1908 Paris  Opéra-Comique La Habanéra

1909 Paris  Opéra-Comique Chiquito

1910 Paris  Opéra-Comique Le Mariage de Télémaque

1911 Paris  Opéra-Comique Le voile du Bonheur

1912 Paris  Opéra-Comique La Danseuse de Pompéi

1913 Paris  Opéra-Comique Francesca da Rimini

1914 Paris  Opéra-Comique La vida breve

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Au clair de la lune Lully (w. Dumény) 34183 6766o 6-07 G&T
2. Barbier de Séville (Rossini) D’un métal si précieux (w. Vigneau) 97378, 97388, xP 4719, xP 4720 Odeon
3. Barbier de Séville (Rossini) Ecco ridente in cielo 3087 Disque Apollon
4. Fortunio (Messager) J’amais La Vielle Maison Grise 3088 Lyrophon
5. Fortunio (Messager) Si vous croyez que je vais dire 97395 xP 4754 Odeon, Paris 1909-04-01
6. La basoche (Messager) Quand tu connaîtra Colette X 97277 Odeon
7. Les filles de la Rochelle (traditional) 583 Disque Eclair
8. Mignon (Thomas) Adieu, Mignon Disque Eden
9. Traviata (Verdi) De ma folle jeunesse 97389 xP 4721 Odeon, Paris 1909-04-01